Overview of Tune in for Love
‘Tune in for Love’ is a romantic South Korean film directed by Jung Ji-woo, starring Kim Go-eun and Jung Hae-in. The movie follows the story of Mi-soo and Hyun-woo, who meet for the first time in a bakery in 1994 and continue to cross paths over the next decade, as they navigate their personal struggles with love and loss.
Profile
- Movie: Tune in for Love (English title) / Yoo Yeol’s Music Album (literal title)
- Genre: Romance
- Director: Jung Ji-woo
- Writers: Lee Sook-yun, Jung Ji-woo
- Producers: Kim Myung-jin, Jung Ji-woo, Kim Jae-joong
- Cinematographer: Jo Hyung-rae
- Release Date: August 28, 2019
- Distributor: CGV Arthouse
- Language: Korean
- Country: South Korea
Cast
Main
Kim Go-eun as Kim Mi-soo
Kim Mi-soo is a strong and independent woman who has worked hard to build a successful career. Her love for Hyun-woo also reveals a vulnerable side to her character. Throughout the film, Mi-soo’s character undergoes a significant emotional journey.
Jung Hae-in as Cha Hyun-woo
Cha Hyun-woo is a sensitive and introspective young man who is deeply affected by his past. Hyun-woo is haunted by the guilt and regrets he feels over a tragic event from his youth, which has led him to become introverted and emotionally guarded. Through his relationship with Mi-soo, he learns to forgive himself and embrace his present. He is portrayed as kind and caring, yet complex and deeply flawed.
Supporting
- Kim Gook-hee as Eun-Ja
- Jung Yoo-jin as Hyun-Joo
- Kwon Eun-soo as Kwon Eun-soo
- Park Hae-joon as Jong-woo
- Kim Hyun as Kim Hyun-sook
Synopsis
The story is divided into three parts. The first part takes place in 1994, where Hyun-woo, a school dropout accused of killing his classmate, meets Mi-soo, a college graduate who owns a bakery. Hyun-woo was searching for a tofu item when he first entered Mi-soo’s bakery, and later he ends up working part-time at the bakery. During his time there, he shares his story with Mi-soo about how a radio program he heard while in prison inspired him to turn his life around.
The second part of the story occurs in 1997. Hyun-woo and Mi-soo meet again by chance in front of Miso Bakery but only for a brief moment. Mi-soo has completed college and is about to start her job soon, while Hyun-woo is preparing to join the military service the next day. However, they decide not to let the opportunity pass like last time and spend the night together at Mi-soo’s place.
They both realise they have feelings for each other and decide to keep in touch via email, which Mi-soo created for Hyun-woo. Unfortunately, Mi-soo forgets to tell Hyun-woo the password for the email. They keep missing each other, and it seems fate has other plans for them.
The next part is in 2000, Mi-soo is working on her computer and suddenly receives an email from Hyun-woo. He finally discovered the password. But they have to separate again due to an unexpected incident.
In 2002, fate brought Mi-soo and Hyun-woo together once again. By that time Mi-soo had found success in her career and she discovered that Hyun-woo was now renting her former place. They again fell in love and started to live together.
Shortly after receiving a call from an old friend to commemorate their deceased friend’s death anniversary, whom Hyun-woo is accused of murder, he is consumed with guilt and regret. Despite his efforts to forget his past and become a better person, his remorse continues to haunt him. Mi-soo finds out about Hyun-woo’s past from one of his friends, which makes Hyun-woo upset and angry. This results in an argument, and Mi-soo leaves Hyun-woo. However, when she hears her name on the radio, realising that Hyun-woo is missing her, she quickly goes back to him.
Movie Romance
The movie portrays a deeply emotional and heartwarming romance between the two main characters, Mi-soo and Hyun-woo. Their love story is built upon the foundation of a chance encounter, where fate brought them together after years of separation.
As they catch up on lost time, they both realise that the bond they once shared was more profound than they ever imagined. With each passing moment, their feelings for each other intensify, but they never openly express their love for one another. Instead, their emotions speak volumes, with every glance and every touch, conveying the depth of their feelings.
Their love is pure and innocent, reminiscent of teenage romance, as they fall asleep holding hands, giggling and teasing each other like giddy teenagers. However, their romance is not without its challenges, as the weight of Hyun-woo’s guilt and regrets threaten to tear them apart.
Despite this, their love remains steadfast and unwavering, a beacon of hope that guides them through their struggles. They both realise that their love is worth fighting for, and they overcome the challenges that threaten to tear them apart.
Awards
- London East Asia Film Festival (2019)
Popularity Award (Jung Hae-in) - 56th Grand Bell Awards (2020)
Best New Actor (Jung Hae-in)
Interesting Facts about Tune in for Love
- Kim Go-eun, one of the lead actors in the film collaborated with director Jung Ji-woo in her debut film ‘A Muse’ in 2012, prior to this project.
- The lead actors of of the film have also worked in the drama series ‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’.
- The filming for this project took place over a period of three months.
- The film was showcased at the London East Asia Film Festival and Jung Hae-in, one of the film’s lead actors, received a popularity award at the festival.
